By: DailyForex.com
Last week saw an Atlantic divide with European markets (and Japan) falling whilst the major American stock markets managed small gains.
In Europe over the course of the week, the FTSE was down by 2.2%, it closed at 6238.3; the Dax ended at 10752, down by 4.8% on last week’s close; the CAC was down by 4.4% to end the session at 4714.8%.
The Dow ended the week up by 0.28% to close at 17848. The Nasdaq composite index ended up by 0.29% over the course of the week at 51432.3.
The Nikkei 225 ended the week’s trading down by 1.9% to end the session at 19504.
Currency Markets Review
On the currency markets last week, the Euro enjoyed the best of the trading as markets compensated for overestimating the ECB’s monetary easing action. The Dollar was weaker against Sterling last week closing at $1.5101 to the Pound, a loss of 0.41% on the week. The Greenback fell against the Euro last week by 2.7% to close at $1.0882 to the €. The Dollar was stronger against the Japanese currency, closing at 123.1 Yen to the Dollar, making a gain of 0.19% during the week.
The Euro was stronger against the Yen ending at 133.95, a gain of 3.8% over the course of the week. It made ground against Sterling last week, rising by 2.3%; the close saw one £ buying €1.3877.
The Euro now buys 1.0869 CHF, a loss of 0.46% on the week.
Commodities Market Review
On the commodities market, the price for Brent crude ended at $43 per barrel, a loss of 4.2% over the course of the week’s trading. The value of gold was higher last week, closing at $1086.8 per ounce, a gain of 2.9% on the week.